Rebel hockey crushes Utah

September 29, 2008 by Matt Maxson 

In the opening period of the Rebels’ hockey season, they scored more goals than they’d need to for two full games. In the season’s opening series against Utah at the Sobe Arena, the Rebels swept their opponent in blowout fashion, 15-0 and 13-3.

“It just kind of proves the status of our team,” said team captain Ryan Krametbauer. “And for the games to come, it proved how we can play.”

Hard and fast was the way the Rebels chose to play — UNLV attempted 136 shots on the goal, Utah had 44 shots.

Though the offense was potent, the defense was surprisingly stingy. UNLV goalie Chris Tate recorded his second career shutout in Friday’s game.

“I sure got a lot of help tonight,” said Tate who started his fourth season as goalie for UNLV.

“No mistakes down low – not a single one – and I didn’t allow any rebounds which is something I’m very proud about.”

Tate last shutout was on Dec. 3, 2005, UNLV shocked No. 8 Utah State, 2-0. In that game Utah State had 28 shots on the goal, the Rebels had 18.

As the Rebels beat up on another team from the Beehive State, they were much more of an offensive force then of three years past. Tate was also aided near the net by defensemen Krametbauer, Adam Siavelis, Doug Wenglare and Max Barnum.

Tate’s outstanding performance was followed by a fantastic night from Josh Jasek who had a hat-trick in Saturday night’s game.

Jasek scored the first two goals of the night in the opening period to put the Rebels ahead early and by a large margin. UNLV scored six times before the Utes posted a goal at the end of the second period.

After scoring 28 combined goals this weekend, Krametbauer is convinced that his team will continue to look ahead as Arizona State rolls into town on Friday.

“We’re hoping to keep the momentum going,” Krametbauer said. “We need to stay focused in practice and make practices competitive. We have 25 players so it’s already competitive. Coach [Pallin] is only going to dress 18-20 guys, so every practice is really competitive.”

The competition will be necessary, ASU is a scrappier team than Utah and has a lot more potential to put pressure on Tate and the UNLV goalkeepers. But as the Rebels prepare to take on the Sun Devils, Krametbauer says that the depth of the team will keep the Rebels fresh.

“When you have four lines of players that are very strong,” Krametbauer said. “It’s tough to defend against a team like [us].”

The Rebels return to action on Friday and Saturday against ASU with face-off scheduled for 6 p.m. Student can purchase tickets for $3 at the arena with a valid RebelCard.